Bader Jr. 'always looking at ways' to improve Summit Motorsports Park

NORWALK — Prior to the opening round of qualifying at the Summit Nationals on Friday at Summit Motorsports Park, track operator Bill Bader Jr. made an appearance in the track's media center. The longtime owner provided a state-of-the-track address for media members. Bader touched on a variety of topics, beginning with the importance of the track's annual NHRA event. "This event is something that I look forward to every year, and it's a monumental amount of work," Bader said. "Last week, we hosted 643 cars in our Cavalcade of Stars Lucas Oil Series doubleheader. We had 6 inches of rain, but everyone pulled together, and we got through it." Bader Jr. noted the big NHRA weekend is one he circles on the calendar every year. "And I think of my dad (Bill Sr.) every year," he said. "To be able to host an NHRA national event was a lifelong dream of my father's. I still think back to the first event in June 2007. Right after the national anthem ended, I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him. "Then, three years ago, he passed away on the Sunday of this event, so this weekend has all kinds of meaning to me." Bader also discussed the ongoing improvements to Summit Motorsports Park, particularly ahead of NHRA's 75th anniversary next season, and the 20th annual running of the Summit Nationals. "This year, we expanded to 1,200 camp sites and we're sold out," Bader said. "That's in part because hotels charge exorbitant fees, so we're going to keep adding and expanding. I also have a few other side projects, most notably bathrooms and showers. That's a big deal. "We are always looking at ways to improve the facility and to improve the customer experience. That's been a foundation of our business since Day 1, and I don't see that ever changing." Finally, Bader commented on the track's famed ice cream scoop, the special prize given to winners of the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. This year, the track added a special ice cream bowl for winners of the Lucas Oil Series event, and the winners of the Summit E.T. Racing Series finals later this year will also get a special billet ice cream cone to commemorate their victories. "I've had pro drivers call to see if they can order additional ice cream scoops, but I won't do it," Bader said. "You only get one, and it's for event winners only, but I'm glad to see that they have so much meaning."